Barren Fiscal moves forward with cannabis decision, 6-1 in favor

GLASGOW, KY  –  Barren County government has made the decision to “opt in” for allowing an individual or business to apply for a license to grow, manufacture, process or dispense medical cannabis, once the prescription of the drug becomes legal in 2025.  While business licenses will be awarded through a lottery and are highly limited, the Barren County Fiscal Court voted 6-1 in a measure that would allow applicants for the medical cannabis business licenses to feel confident in associating a Barren County address with their application.  The motion to “opt in” was made by Magistrate Marty Kinslow, and seconded by Magistrate Brad Groce.  After a public hearing and lengthy discussion, Magistrate Tim Coomer cast the only “No” vote.

Technically, by taking no action at all, any county or city would be automatically opted in.  The vote at the special-called Barren Fiscal meeting on Thursday signified the opinions of many of the magistrates willingness to move forward with a decision.  Local government bodies are tasked with the decision that was mandated by the state government.  The City of Glasgow and City Council just recently reversed their decision on second reading Monday, voting against a motion to “opt out” of medical cannabis business that had initially passed on first reading.  

During the public hearing, a local farmer and business person who is heavily invested in the hemp business addressed the fiscal court.  Chad Wilson claimed he was one of the very first hemp farmers in the country, since the crop had been decriminalized.  While citing many reasons he feels the industry will be successful, he also offered comments saying why Barren County should not prohibit a business he has invested so much in.

One magistrate had yet to offer any comment on the matter since the issue was first discussed during the June fiscal court meeting; that being Magistrate Ronnie Stinson.  Stinson, who required a long pause before casting his “Yes” vote to allow cannabis business, did not discount the concerns he and others have.  

Magistrate Coomer, just before the vote, reiterated his favor of the use of medical cannabis, despite his reluctance for the county to take on the unknown burden of what could be future mandates.  

County Attorney Mike Richardson also provided his opinion on the legal aspect of making regulations on a local level, and then enforcing them.

At the previous meeting, Magistrate Jeff Botts had reached out to his constituency for input.  Botts reported on Thursday that no person called to express their disfavor of allowing the medical cannabis business into the county, while at least 5 were in favor.  Magistrates Tim Durham and Derek Pedigo echoed those same sentiments from their respective constituencies.  

Botts’ comments:

Magistrate Pedigo:

And Magistrate Durham’s comments:

Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd, while not having to cast a vote, did offer her opinions on what the decision would mean for the county as a whole.

Magistrate Marty Kinslow, who recently had a life-threatening accident and suffered multiple injuries, explained that his opinion was based on many factors other than his own personal experience with medical treatment.